Homemade turtles are one of those candies that look like they came from a fancy shop but are surprisingly simple to make. You line up pecan halves for the head and legs, spoon warm caramel over the middle, and cover it all in melted chocolate. In about twenty minutes you've got a tray of candy that tastes way better than the boxed kind.
This version keeps it classic with pecans, caramel, and milk chocolate, then adds a ring of red and green M&M's on top. That pop of color makes them perfect for Christmas cookie trays and gift tins. Any other time of year, just leave the M&M's off for plain pecan turtles.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THEM
- Simple ingredients. Pecans, caramels, chocolate, and a splash of cream.
- No baking skills needed. You melt, spoon, and let them set.
- Great for gifting. They look store bought but taste homemade, and they hold up in a tin.
- Easy to change up. Skip the M&M's for a classic turtle, or swap the chocolate.
WHAT MAKES A TURTLE CANDY A TURTLE
The name comes from the shape. You arrange five pecan halves, four for little legs and one for the head, so each candy looks like a turtle peeking out from under a caramel shell. Chocolate goes over the top, and that's the whole thing.
The caramel is what makes them good. Melting the caramels with a little heavy cream keeps them soft and chewy once they cool, instead of turning into a hard layer that cracks when you bite. Don't skip that step.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips, melted
- 20 ounce bag caramel squares
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Red and green M&M's, optional
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE TURTLES
- Line a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange five pecan halves for each turtle, one head and four legs, in a star shape on the parchment.
- Unwrap the caramels and put them in a microwave safe bowl.
- Add the heavy cream and microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until the caramel is melted and smooth.
- Spoon the warm caramel over the center of each pecan star, covering where the pecans meet. Let it set for a few minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second bursts, stirring until smooth. No microwave? Melt in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
- Spoon or drizzle the chocolate over the caramel so it's fully covered.
- If you want the holiday look, press red and green M&M's around the chocolate center to make a border.
- Let the turtles cool at room temperature, or chill in the fridge until the chocolate is firm, then serve.
QUICK TIPS
- Use soft caramel squares, not hard caramels. Soft ones melt into that chewy layer turtles are known for.
- Don't skip the cream. It keeps the caramel from turning hard and brittle as it cools.
- Stir between every microwave burst. Chocolate scorches fast, so go slow and keep stirring.
- Arrange five pecans in a star. One head and four legs is what gives them the turtle shape.
- If the caramel starts to firm up before you finish spooning, warm it again for a few seconds so it stays smooth and easy to spread.
HOW TO STORE THEM
Keep homemade turtles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If your kitchen runs warm, store them in the fridge so the chocolate stays firm.
You can freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
MAKE THEM FOR CHRISTMAS
These are a favorite on holiday cookie trays, and the red and green M&M's turn them into little Christmas turtles. Pack them in a decorative tin with parchment between layers and they make a sweet homemade gift.
For any other time of year, leave off the M&M's. Plain pecan, caramel, and chocolate turtles are a classic candy for birthdays, bake sales, or a weekend treat.
MORE CANDY RECIPES
If you like these turtles, try these other easy homemade candies.
- Peanut Butter Meltaways. Creamy, melt in your mouth candies with just three ingredients.
- Crockpot Peanut Clusters. Slow cooker candy with peanuts and chocolate.
- 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge. Quick fudge with only two ingredients.
- No Bake Peanut Butter Balls. A no bake treat that's an old fashioned classic.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Turtles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 20 ounce bag caramel squares
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips - melted
- Red and green M&M's - for topping
Instructions
- Line a 9x13 baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange five pecan halves for each turtle, one head and four legs, in a star shape on the parchment.
- Unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwave safe bowl.
- Add the heavy cream and microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring between each, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Spoon the warm caramel over the center of each pecan star, covering the spot where the pecans meet. Let it set for a few minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl in 30 second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Spoon or drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel so it's fully covered.
- Press red and green M&M's around the chocolate center to make a festive border, if you like the holiday look.
- Let the turtles cool at room temperature, or chill in the fridge until the chocolate is firm, then serve.
Notes
- Use soft caramel squares, not hard caramels, or the layer turns out too firm.
- The heavy cream keeps the caramel soft and chewy. Don't skip it.
- For plain turtles, leave off the M&M's.
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container, or in the fridge during warm weather.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate based on third-party calculations. Actual values may vary due to ingredients, measurements, and serving sizes.
© Popular Recipes
Dana is the lead recipe developer and photographer for PopularRecipes.com. With her 10+ years of experience creating, testing, and photographing recipes, she has become an artist in developing wholesome, family-friendly meals that are a hit with both kids and parents.
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